The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

After 47 years of putting in a 'Hard Days Work' with the Bees at the Bears Paw Apiaries, Leonard 'Ole' Brown decided it was time to stow away his Bee Suit for good. On Friday October 1, Ole humbly retired, a week later on Saturday, October 9, the company and the community came together at the Chinook Eagles Club to celebrate his remarkable accomplishment.

Ole, wasn't unlike many young men on the Hi-line back in the early 1970's. An Army Veteran having served in Vietnam, Ole was newly married and ready to build a future with the love of his life, Vicki Anderson. Ole and Vicki were a young couple ready to take on the world in Wolf Point, Montana in 1973.

In time Ole began working for Vicki's Dad, Doyle and the couple moved to Chinook, Montana in 1974. Doyle Anderson was growing his Bears Paw Apiaries business at a quick pace and Ole became a huge part of that growth.

47 years later, having barely missed a day (only on Doctor's orders), the time finally arrived for Ole to happily step away. Through the years Ole was lucky enough to have all four of his children work along side of him at some point as well as a few Grandkids.

Ole's son Tye worked with Ole, hauling bee's for a number of years. Justin made more than a few trips into the field to pull honey with his dad. Nichole helped throughout High School in the shop and extracting honey and Crystal was called upon from time to time to help in the shop as well.

In 47 years Ole built some great friendships with his coworkers both on the job and away from it. Many of those former co-workers were in town for the celebration and reflected upon their time working alongside of Ole while enjoying a masterfully cooked Brisket Dinner.

John Miller hauled bees for the company for many years, making several trips to California, Saturday he was the pit-master for the event.

Ole's Brother In-law Wade Anderson, along with his wife Carla and the Bears Paw Apiaries hosted the celebration, serving more than 120 plates throughout the night.

Ole spent the night with old friends, enjoying the company of family and reminiscing about his time with the company.

Tye, Justin and Ole's Nephew Winston Anderson talked about Ole and the prankster he was in the field and in the shop. A favorite story involved new employees and their first trips into the field with Ole.

"He would tell the new guys before hand to watch out for the rattlesnakes. And then all day keep reminding them to be careful. Then as everyones tying down the truck, getting ready to go in, Ole would crawl around under the truck and grab their leg, got them good every time," said Winston.

Tye added, "You would be mowing in the yard, around the Supers and stuff and he (Ole) would sneak up behind you with a stick and tap at your leg and scare you pretty good."

Ole was an extremely hard worker everyday for 47 years. Didn't matter if it was a young athletic high school or college kid, or an in shape grown adult, you weren't outworking Ole.

If you took eight supers off the truck, Ole was behind you with nine. "Always one more, Dad had to always out do everyone, and he did! Except one," said Justin. "I was the only one to ever pull more honey than him, once."

Harlan Morgan worked with Ole from 1980-1999 and had many good memories with Ole through the years. "I recall one time we were coming back from California and for whatever reason, I can't remember, we had to go through Palm Springs... during Spring Break. The truck needed repairs and we were pretty sure we knew what the problem was, but I remember looking at Ole and telling him he had to handle it because I had some scenery to look at! He didn't miss a beat, got it fixed and we were on our way."

Ole made everyday in the field or in the shop a better day because he made work enjoyable. When Ole started working for Doyle back in 1974 Wade was just in grade school. 47 years later, Wade, Carla and the Company are thanking him for his exemplary service with all his friends and family and the community. It was a great night for all who attended.